FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament: Dutch striker Meerdink was injured two days after the first call

Attacker Mexx Meerdink has withdrawn from the Dutch selection for this week’s World Cup qualification matches to Malta and Finland, the Dutch Football Association said on Tuesday, after he sustained an injury two days after his first call.

The 22-year-old from AZ Alkmaar will not be replaced, even though Memphis Depay arrived late from Brazil after his passport had disappeared.

Coach Ronald Koeman has already said that Depay would not start on Thursday against Malta, making Donyell Grinden the likely first choice attacker for the game against Ta’qali.

Malen, however, has a growing reputation as an impact player, or ‘super sub’ for Dutch people.

He has a better goal record as a substitute than as a starter with 10 goals in 27 invaders, the best figures in the history of the Dutch national team.

«It is something to be proud of,» Malen told reporters on Tuesday. «Sometimes you are disappointed when you sit on the couch, but if you can stay strong mentally and achieve good results, you can be proud.»

As a starter, Malen was less productive with one goal in eighteen international matches.

The Netherlands will also face Finland at home on Sunday. It has 10 points from the first four qualifying matches, with a lead on Poland on goal difference with another match to go.

The group winner qualifies directly for the final in North America, while the number two enters the play-offs.

Published on October 08, 2025